Treatment
There is no known cure. The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and slow the disease process. This is done by reducing inflammation and scarring. The tissue that is already scarred cannot be returned to normal.
Medication
Medication is the main form of treatment. It does not work for some people. Options may include:
- Combination of prednisone to reduce inflammation and cytoxan or azathioprine to reduce the body’s immune response
-
To dampen the progression of the fibrosis your doctor may recommend:
- High dose n-acetylcysteine
- Pirfenidone
- Interferon-gamma 1b
- Coumadin
- Etanercept
- Bosentan
- Imatinib
- Sildenafil
- Pirfenidone
- Colchicine
- Methotrexate
- Penicillamine
- Cyclosporine
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GERD will need to be treated. This most often involves the use of medication and lifestyle changes.
Support Care
- Some people may need to receive oxygen. This will help them breathe.
- A pulmonary rehab program may also improve lung function.
-
A healthy lifestyle may also help slow the disease. This includes:
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Rest
- Not smoking
- Lung transplantation may be considered for people with advanced IPF who do not respond to other treatment.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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